Tirunelveli-Pune spl derails as tree falls on it; no casualty

Palakkad (Kerala), May 17 (PTI) The passengers of the Tirunelveli-Pune Special train had a miraculous escape as its engine and seven coaches derailed when a 100-year-old tree fell on it between Pollachi and Meenakshipuram, bordering Tamil Nadu.

Railway sources said the services between Pollachi and Palakaad had been affected due to the derailment late last night.

The restoration work is in progress and the services are expected to become normal later in the night, they said.

There was no injury or casualty to any of the passengers, the sources said, adding the new-design coaches saved the lives of passengers.

A Medical relief van and a breakdown special with a crane has been sent from Shornur for restoration work.

The sources said the tree had got uprooted in strong winds and fell as the passing train.